quickest method to see if i do/dont have balance shafts

[bsbllfit7]

trying to find a super quick way to find out if i have balance shafts or not, not familiar with what it will look like if i do or dont have them. Motor is in the car and running. Just want to find out if i have them or not thats all.

 

[kimcheefists]

I'd say taking off the lower timing belt cover would be the "easiest" way.

 

[MidShipCivic]

Remove your oil pan, and look up in there.

 

[19Eclipse90]

Unfortunately checking to see if there is a belt for the balance shafts will not be a true indicator of the balance shafts being installed, but it is a start.

1) Check for a BS belt. If it is in place, the lower half of the timing belt side will look something like this (timing belt removed):

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If it looks like this, you still have the balance shafts installed.


2) If it does not look like that or the BS belt is missing, check to see if it looks like this -- namely, has the top left sprocket in the above picture been plugged up:

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If it looks like either of these, you know at least the front balance shaft has been removed. To check if the rear has been removed, there is a 12mm bolt on the back side of the block a couple inches up from the oil pan looking like it serves absolutely no purpose. Follow the instructions in the attachment (pic included) to get the screwdriver in place and do one of two things. Using a long enough screwdriver, note how far it goes into the block. Remove the screwdriver and rotate the engine an eighth to a quarter turn of your ratchet or breaker bar. Place the screwdriver back in the hole and note how far it goes in. If there is a change in how far the screwdriver goes in, the rear balance shaft is still installed. If not, congratulations, you do not have balance shafts at all. Otherwise, you can align the timing marks, place a long screwdriver in the hole, and attempt to turn the engine over by hand. The screwdriver should "lock up" the rear balance shaft and keep the engine from turning over. If the balance shaft is not there, the engine will still rotate.

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